The primary week of the NBA season is over, and there was a substantial shift from our preseason energy rankings. Since the actual video games began, some groups have stepped up whereas others have turned issues into three-alarm fires.
Groups have solely performed about 5 p.c of their video games to this point. The Celtics, Thunder and Cavaliers are the one undefeated groups remaining. The Jazz and Pistons stay winless. Everybody else is within the center, however we will nonetheless type them out.
This is how all 30 groups take care of the primary week of the 2024-25 NBA season.
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NBA Energy Rankings Week 1
Tier 1: The true contenders
1. Celtics (–)
We have had the Celtics No. 1 in our energy rankings since approach earlier than the season began, and so they have justified that rating.
The defending champions look even higher than final yr’s workforce. Jayson Tatum has discovered the way to shoot pull-up 3s and the entire workforce is bombing away. Payton Pritchard is rising as a dependable bench gunner. They have not been challenged but, and so they’re nonetheless lacking Kristaps Porzingis.
There’s just one contender that appears even near the Celtics, and so they’re up subsequent.
2. Thunder (–)
The Thunder are going to be the league’s finest protection. They’ve a humiliation of riches on the perimeter with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso, and Chet Holmgren leads the league with 4.Zero blocks per sport.
The depth of this workforce is unparalleled. Wiggins could be beginning for many groups. He is the eighth or ninth man on the Thunder. They do not even have Isaiah Hartenstein, who’s out till late November, or small ball 5 Kenrich Williams, and so they solely play Caruso 21 minutes per sport as a result of they’re saving him for the playoffs.
The Thunder have put the pedal at about 70 p.c to this point and nonetheless have outscored opponents by 58 factors. It is trying like a Celtics-Thunder Finals after the primary week.
MORE: Largest overreactions from Week 1 of the 2024-25 NBA season
Tier 2: Groups making an attempt to catch the Celtics and Thunder
3. Cavaliers (+6)
It is not an enormous shock that the Cavs are undefeated — they’ll be a wonderful regular-season workforce. Evan Mobley is re-inserting himself into the Defensive Participant of the 12 months dialog and doing extra with the ball, whereas Donovan Mitchell is displaying how underrated he’s.
They may quickly be examined, with their subsequent seven video games coming in opposition to the Knicks, Lakers, Magic, Bucks twice, Pelicans and Warriors.
4. Lakers (+14)
The Lakers are the most important riser in these energy rankings due to their 3-1 begin. JJ Redick appears to be the actual deal, incorporating much more ball and participant motion than Darvin Ham on offense and extra switching on protection. Anthony Davis appears like one of the best two-way participant within the league, LeBron James is doing his factor and the workforce is getting a pleasant increase off the bench from Dalton Knecht.
MORE: Being probably the most hated faculty athlete in America ready JJ Redick for teaching one of the vital hated NBA groups
5. Suns (+5)
Mike Budenholzer has fastened Phoenix’s offense, swapping out a few of its midrange makes an attempt for extra environment friendly 3s. It is the identical formulation he utilized in Atlanta and Milwaukee, and he is having the identical outcomes because the Suns discover themselves with a 3-1 document. Kevin Durant has been unstoppable as typical, averaging 29.Zero factors per sport.
63 PTS for this @Suns duo of their third win of the season!
☀️ DBook: 33 PTS | KD: 30 PTS ☀️ pic.twitter.com/tU1now23D1
— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2024
Bradley Beal is already lacking video games, however this can be a higher model of final yr’s workforce that could not overcome that kind of loss. Tyus Jones has slot in seamlessly as a starter and rookie Ryan Dunn has surprisingly emerged as a top quality 3-point shooter after that was his primary weak point as a draft prospect.
6. Mavericks (-2)
Klay Thompson has appeared reinvigorated in Dallas, enjoying stable protection and hitting 45.5 p.c of his 3s. Luka Doncic had the move of the younger season and has been terrific as typical. And the Mavericks have not completely clicked to date, getting little manufacturing from their bench.
Jason Kidd is using some unusual rotational decisions. Dereck Vigorous II nonetheless is not beginning video games and Quentin Grimes is enjoying solely 11 minutes per sport. He is nonetheless testing out the way to finest incorporate all of their new items.
7. Timberwolves (+1)
Julius Randle appeared horrible within the Wolves’ season opener in opposition to the Lakers, clogging the spacing on the ground and being the weak level within the workforce’s protection. He seemingly hasn’t missed a shot since then, proving that he can get you buckets to make up for these limitations on the opposite aspect of the ground.
After dropping that opener to the Lakers, the Wolves gritted out a troublesome 117-115 win in opposition to the Kings and took care of enterprise (albeit not that impressively) in opposition to a decimated Raptors workforce. They have not gotten a lot from new addition Donte DiVincenzo but, but it surely hasn’t mattered.
8. Knicks (-5)
The Knicks had been blown out by the Celtics in an unsightly opener, recovered properly by drubbing the Pacers, then blew a 13-point lead within the second half to the Cavaliers to fall to 1-2. They rank 29th within the league defensively. They’re badly lacking the rim safety of the injured Mitchell Robinson and departed Hartenstein.
At the least the offense is buzzing, rating No. Three after the primary week. The issues over Mikal Bridges’ soar shot appear like they is likely to be overblown — he is taking pictures 35.7 p.c from 3. Karl-Anthony Cities is an efficient secondary choice (though he must shoot extra 3s) and Deuce McBride has performed his finest DiVincenzo impression from off the bench.
MORE: NBA taking pictures coach says Mikal Bridges shot adjustments are a constructive
Tier 3: Good playoff groups
9. Magic (+2)
The Magic crushed the Warmth and Nets, misplaced on the second night time of a back-to-back in opposition to the Grizzlies, then beat the Pacers. Their offense has traditionally by no means been good. Which may change this season thanks largely to lastly taking pictures 3s. Jalen Suggs has been automated, Franz Wagner’s soar shot has returned and the protection stays superb.
Driving all of it is Paolo Banchero, who had the season’s first 50-point sport in opposition to the Pacers on Monday. His 3-pointer is trying much-improved, and his 6.Zero assists per sport exhibits he is one of the vital expert massive passers within the league.
Paolo Banchero was completely DOMINANT within the @OrlandoMagic W!
🔥 50 PTS (profession excessive), 37 in 1H
🔥 13 REB
🔥 9 AST
🔥 Three 3PM
🔥 2 BLK
🔥 16-26 FGMMagic transfer to 3-1 on the yr! pic.twitter.com/1BtNZ9iyBm
— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2024
10. Nuggets (-4)
The Nuggets barely escaped falling to 0-Three due to a heroic effort from Nikola Jokic in beating the Raptors in time beyond regulation on Monday. Jokic has been unbelievable as typical, averaging 32.Three factors, 10.Three rebounds and seven.Zero assists per sport, however the assist hasn’t been there.
Russell Westbrook cannot make a shot, Jamal Murray remains to be experiencing the issues that plagued him this summer time (regardless of hitting the shot that despatched Monday’s sport into time beyond regulation) and the workforce’s bench is among the many worst within the league. These guys look very removed from a championship contender and are badly lacking Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
11. Warriors (+6)
Stephen Curry’s delicate ankle harm on Sunday prevented the Warriors from rising much more in these energy rankings. He’ll miss at the least two video games from it. Andrew Wiggins is again, main the workforce with 19.7 factors per sport. Buddy Hield is the early favourite for Sixth Man of the 12 months, hitting 52 p.c of his 3s and averaging 19.Zero factors in solely 21 minutes per sport. Steve Kerr’s largest downside is that he has too many high quality gamers to play.
MORE: How lengthy Stephen Curry might be out with decrease leg harm
12. Pelicans (+2)
New Orleans appears to have the worst harm luck within the league. They already misplaced Trey Murphy III to harm earlier than the season began, and Dejounte Murray joined him on the injured listing after he broke his hand within the workforce’s opener.
That did not cease New Orleans from compiling a 2-1 document. Brandon Ingram has taken over that scoring load, Jordan Hawkins has been drilling 3s, and Yves Missi’s rim rolling and shot blocking have made him probably the most impactful rookie within the league to this point.
13. Grizzlies (–)
Ja Morant is reminding everybody why he was one of the vital promising younger gamers within the league, averaging 20.7 factors and seven.Three assists via Memphis’ 2-2 begin. Santi Aldama has exploded within the beginning lineup, averaging 15.5 per sport. Zach Edey hasn’t been fairly as impactful as anticipated as a consequence of foul hassle, however he did surprisingly hit a nook 3. Jay Huff has emerged as a fantastic shooter and rim protector, persevering with his sturdy preseason play.
Marcus Sensible’s poor play is troubling, although. He hasn’t appeared like the identical man since getting traded.
14. Bucks (-7)
The Bucks are lacking Khris Middleton, however that also does not clarify how listless they’ve appeared to begin the yr. They beat a depleted Philadelphia workforce, then misplaced to the Nets, Bulls and Celtics.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains to be enjoying like top-of-the-line stars within the league, however this roster is previous and sluggish. They’ve tried numerous defenses, together with an intriguing 3-2 zone with Giannis on the high, however their point-of-attack protection stays an issue. Additionally they have not been in a position to match the elevated tempo of the league.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo provides regarding evaluation amid Bucks’ sluggish begin
15. Clippers (+5)
The Clippers had been broadly anticipated to battle after Kawhi Leonard was unable to go to begin the season, however James Harden appears just like the previous Harden, averaging 25.Zero factors and a league-leading 11.7 assists per sport. Norman Powell has exploded right into a secondary scorer position, averaging 24.7 factors per sport, and Ivica Zubac has been an ideal pick-and-roll accomplice for Harden. The large man is averaging 22.7 factors and a league-leading 14.Zero rebounds whereas vastly enhancing his passing chops. It is a feisty workforce that’s enjoying arduous.
16. 76ers (-11)
The Sixers aren’t a great workforce with out Joel Embiid and Paul George. That explains their 1-2 document. Tyrese Maxey has struggled making an attempt to hold Philly via Embiid and George’s absence, taking pictures simply 34.9 p.c from the sector. He lastly had a great sport on Sunday, scoring 45 to assist them beat the Pacers.
17. Pacers (-5)
Tyrese Haliburton has had a tough begin. He did hit a closely contested miracle Three to ship the Pacers into time beyond regulation in opposition to the Sixers and had his first good sport in Monday’s loss to the Magic, however he is hitting simply 26.5 p.c of his 3s whereas averaging 14.Zero factors per sport. His timing appears very off.
The Pacers have additionally been unusually sluggish of their 1-2 begin to the season. That transition assault that outlined their run to the Japanese Convention Finals final season is gone — they rank 22nd within the league in common time earlier than they take a shot.
18. Hawks (+6)
The Hawks are at all times seemingly in the course of the league’s standings. They beat the Nets and Hornets however could not fairly sustain with the Thunder or Wizards to go 2-2 of their first week.
Trae Younger is as soon as once more placing up terrific offensive manufacturing with 26.5 factors and 10.Eight assists per sport. The newcomer Dyson Daniels has been precisely what the Hawks had hoped, trying like top-of-the-line perimeter defenders within the league whereas chipping in 12.Eight factors per sport.
Tier 3: Fringe playoff groups
19. Warmth (-4)
Jimmy Butler was invisible within the Warmth’s opening loss to the Magic, going simply 1-of-Eight for 3 factors. Bam Adebayo has slumped early as nicely, taking pictures simply 38.7 p.c to open the yr. The hope that he might stretch out to three is not going nicely but — he is missed all six of his makes an attempt from deep.
Butler took over of their second and third video games and Terry Rozier has been the workforce’s finest scorer, bringing the Warmth to a 2-1 document.
20. Rockets (-1)
The Rockets beat the Grizzlies, misplaced to the Hornets and have break up their matchups in opposition to the Spurs to go 2-2 to begin the yr. Jalen Inexperienced is placing up 28.Eight factors per sport, justifying his latest extension. No different participant has stood out. Rookie Reed Sheppard hasn’t been in a position to do a lot, logging beneath 10 minutes per sport and struggling along with his shot.
21. Kings (-5)
The Kings have opened the season 1-2 regardless of getting a median of 69.Three factors from their massive three of Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan. They fell aside late in each these losses, which is stunning provided that Fox and DeRozan have been two of probably the most clutch gamers within the league. Mike Brown warned that their sloppy preseason play would carry over, and it has.
22. Bulls (+4)
The Bulls had been crushed by the Thunder and Pelicans however put up feisty wins in opposition to the Bucks and Grizzlies by enjoying quick and raining down 3s. They is likely to be the Pacers lite this yr, led by Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball pushing the ball. Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine have began the yr crimson sizzling, including two very enticing potential commerce items available on the market.
23. Spurs (-2)
The Spurs appeared outclassed by the Mavericks of their opener and break up two video games in opposition to the Rockets to begin 1-2. Victor Wembanyama went viral for his brand pull-up Three however hasn’t had the consistency from deep but. Chris Paul is a steadying power, averaging 6.7 assists per sport. Jeremy Sochan appears rather more comfy as an influence ahead, averaging 19.Zero factors and 9.Zero rebounds to open the yr.
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24. Hornets (+1)
The Hornets are a greater workforce with LaMelo Ball, who’s averaging 31.7 factors whereas taking some audacious photographs. Tre Mann has been a pleasant scorer off the bench. Charlotte is again to enjoying a enjoyable fashion.
25. Raptors (-3)
The Raptors have had an injury-riddled begin to the yr, enjoying with out RJ Barrett (who returned on Monday), Immanuel Quickley, Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown Jr. and rookie Ja’Kobe Walter.
To make issues worse, Scottie Barnes exited Monday’s loss in opposition to the Nuggets with a facial harm.
MORE: Newest harm updates after Scottie Barnes elbowed within the face
That has compelled Toronto into some ugly lineups, however they’ve competed regardless of their 1-Three document. Gradey Dick’s shot has been falling and he appears like he is making a leap as a starter. Jamal Shead and Davion Mitchell are defensive menaces.
Tier 4: Seize the Flagg groups
26. Nets (+1)
Cam Thomas has the last word inexperienced mild, which makes up for those Ben Simmons passes up. Thomas is averaging 30.7 factors per sport on good effectivity. Dennis Schroder can be enjoying nicely, averaging 20.7 factors per sport and serving to the Nets to a 1-2 begin.
27. Path Blazers (+1)
Donovan Clingan hasn’t performed a lot, however he is been efficient when he is been on the market, giving Zion Williamson hassle along with his dimension over the weekend. Scoot Henderson has been efficient off the bench — when will he re-enter the beginning lineup? That is one other developmental yr for the Blazers, who’re 1-Three to begin the season.
28. Pistons (+2)
The Pistons are 0-4, however some good issues are occurring beneath the floor. Jaden Ivey appears significantly better beneath J. B. Bickerstaff and Cade Cunningham has performed nicely. They’ve performed robust groups and are trying significantly better than final yr, hanging in throughout some robust losses.
29. Wizards (–)
The Wizards had been blown out of their first two video games however acquired their first win of the yr in a 121-119 nail-biter in Atlanta on Monday. Alex Sarr has had a troublesome begin, hitting simply 28.6 p.c from the sector. Jonas Valanciunas is counting down the times till he will get traded, scoring 11.7 factors per sport off the bench.
May this be a Jordan Poole comeback yr? He is averaging a team-high 22.Zero factors per sport on 51.2 p.c taking pictures from the sector and a scorching 61.5 p.c from 3.
30. Jazz (-7)
Lauri Markkanen has performed nicely however that is about all that has gone proper for the Jazz. They had been embarrassed in a 41-point loss to the Warriors and are 0-Three on the yr.
